Last updated: 8 May 2026


Malayalam · Comedy
2h 42m · 21 Jan 2005
DOP: S. Kumar | Writer: Sreenivasan
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
Udayananu Tharam is a satirical comedy-drama that revolves around Udayan, an aspiring filmmaker who struggles to make his mark in the Malayalam film industry. The story takes a twist when his assistant steals his script and becomes a superstar overnight, leaving Udayan to fight for his rightful recognition. The narrative explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the harsh realities of the film world, blending humor with emotional depth.
Udayananu Tharam stands out for its sharp and witty screenplay that cleverly satirizes the Malayalam film industry. The story is engaging and well-paced, with the first half setting up the characters and conflicts effectively, while the second half delivers satisfying resolutions with a mix of humor and drama. The screenplay balances comedy and emotional moments without losing momentum.
The film's pacing is commendable, maintaining audience interest throughout its runtime. The first half is lively and humorous, introducing memorable characters and situations, whereas the second half deepens the narrative with more intense and emotional sequences, culminating in a gratifying climax.
Though the film does not emphasize songs heavily, the background score complements the narrative well, enhancing both comedic and dramatic scenes. The absence of a notable music director or standout songs does not detract from the overall experience, as the focus remains on storytelling and performances.
Cinematography by S. Kumar supports the film's tone effectively, capturing both the glitz and the grit of the film industry setting. Overall, Udayananu Tharam is a well-crafted entertainer that combines humor, social commentary, and strong performances to deliver a memorable cinematic experience.
Mohanlal: Exceptional portrayal of Udayan, balancing comedy and emotional depth with ease.
Sreenivasan: Strong supporting role with nuanced comic timing.
Meena: Effective and natural performance adding emotional layers.
Mukesh: Good comic support with memorable moments.
Jagathy Sreekumar: Classic comedic flair enhancing the humor quotient.
Salim Kumar: Notable for his comedic timing and supporting role.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Rosshan Andrrews delivers a confident directorial debut with a clear vision, blending satire and emotional storytelling seamlessly. His direction keeps the narrative engaging, extracting strong performances and maintaining a balanced tone throughout the film.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | High |
| Neutral | Moderate |
| Negative | Low |
Critics praised Udayananu Tharam for its clever satire, engaging screenplay, and Mohanlal's standout performance. The film was noted for its fresh take on the film industry and its blend of humor and drama. Some reviews highlighted the lack of musical appeal but agreed that the narrative strength compensated well.
Final Box-Office Result
Udayananu Tharam released on 21 January 2005 (2005).
Udayananu Tharam is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.
Udayananu Tharam OTT release date not announced yet.
Udayananu Tharam directed by Rosshan Andrrews. Produced by C. Karunakaran.
Udayananu Tharam stars Mohanlal, Meena, Sreenivasan, Mukesh, Jagathy Sreekumar.
Tollybo rates Udayananu Tharam 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.
Udayananu Tharam — Genre: Comedy, Runtime: 162 minutes, Language: Malayalam.